A new bill seeks to ban some of America's most popular snacks in California public schools.
Flamin' Hot Cheetos, Doritos and Takis could be banned statewide under the proposed bill, which seeks to remove foods containing artificial ingredients and food coloring from schools.
According to CBS News, Democratic California State Assembly member Jesse Gabriel proposed the AB 2316 legislation on Tuesday, March 12. in a social media post In announcing the bill, Gabriel said the additives found in these snacks are linked to serious health problems.
If passed into legislation, the bill would prohibit schools from serving foods containing six synthetic food dyes (red 40, yellow 5, yellow 6, blue 1, blue 2 and green 3), as well as titanium dioxide, an agent colorant commonly used in cosmetics and paints. Cheetos products, including Flamin' Hot Cheetos, and chips like Doritos contain the dyes red 40, yellow 5, and yellow 6 in their ingredients, while cereals like Froot Loops and Fruity Pebbles also contain yellow and red dyes.
Flamin' Hot Cheetos could be banned in California schools
(Getty)
The proposal comes nearly five months after California Governor Gavin Newson signed the California Food Safety Act, which banned the sale of foods and beverages containing certain ingredients, including red dye 3, potassium bromate and brominated vegetable oil. The law, which goes into effect in January 2027, will require food manufacturers that use any of the chemicals to reformulate their products to continue selling food in California.
Supporters of AB 2316 shared concerns that consuming synthetic food dyes could lead to hyperactivity or other neurobehavioral problems in children. “California has a responsibility to protect our students from chemicals that harm children and that can interfere with their ability to learn,” Gabriel said in a news release. “As a legislator, a parent, and someone who fought ADHD, I find it unacceptable that we allow schools to serve foods with additives linked to cancer, hyperactivity, and neurobehavioral harm. “This bill will allow schools to better protect the health and well-being of our children and encourage manufacturers to stop using these dangerous additives.”
Gabriel pointed to a 2021 report from the California Environmental Protection Agency, which found that consuming food dyes can cause or worsen hyperactivity and other behavioral problems in children.
A 2012 study by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) found that red 3 causes cancer in animals, while red 40, yellow 5, and yellow 6 are contaminated with benzidine or other carcinogens. A subsequent NIH study found a link between dyes and increased ADHD or hyperactivity in children.
The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved the use of dyes in foods. The FDA requires evidence that an ingredient is safe at the intended level before it is added to foods and that the color additive be listed on the product label. The agency also says it will continue to monitor reports of problems that may be related to food dyes and “take action where necessary.”
“The totality of scientific evidence shows that most children have no adverse effects from consuming foods containing dyes, but some evidence suggests that certain children may be sensitive to them,” the FDA website reads.
Under current California state law, schools must serve free lunches and breakfasts to all students in kindergarten through 12th grade. Under state guidelines, students must be provided with fruits, vegetables, proteins, or whole grains. The rules also set standards for the calories, sugars and fats in these foods.
Gabriel said AB 2316 heads to the Assembly Education Committee, where it will be heard within the next month.
